Year 9 "Out there" Camp

Last week Year 9 had a very different and challenging camp up in the Whangarei Heads.  Rimu and Totara houses sailed up from Britomart, through the Hauraki Gulf, stopping at Kawau Island and the Hen and Chicken Islands. 

Their transport were 2 beautiful 72ft long sailing boats; the Lion (urban assault vehicle) and the Steinlager 2 (big red), both of which sailed around the world and both of which were skippered by Sir Peter Blake.

At the same time Matai and Kauri houses were tramping up Mt Manaia, building their own shelters, catching their own fish, fire building and learning Maori crafts such as bracelet and bag weaving using flax at the land camp near Ocean Beach. 

Midway through the week, both groups swapped over and did everything else in reverse.  Matai and Kauri had the added bonus of going ashore Tiritiri Matangi Island and seeing 5 Takahe (rare NZ native birds).

A fantastic camp and experience for the students.  Many of the students learnt how to work within a group in a tough and challenging environment as well as discovering how to manage themselves.